Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co Flees to Spain Amid Flood Control Scam Allegations

Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co reportedly flew from Dubai to Madrid, Spain, on September 24 amid serious allegations involving the misuse of billions of pesos allocated for flood control projects. Flight data obtained from a trusted Bureau of Immigration source indicates Co departed Dubai at 8:05 a.m., with an expected arrival in Madrid at 7:20 p.m. Manila time.

Prior to his stop in Dubai, Co was in Singapore and had also traveled to New York City between August 26 and September 13, a period coinciding with the ongoing investigation into his alleged misconduct. This raised questions about his availability to answer to these serious allegations.

On September 18, House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III withdrew Co's travel clearance and directed him to return to the Philippines within 10 days as the probe intensified.

The controversy began when former Department of Public Works and Highways Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara accused Co of receiving kickbacks amounting to 20 to 25 percent from multi-billion peso flood control funds. Co has consistently denied these accusations, labeling them as "false and baseless" during a statement issued on September 23.

Pressure is mounting within the House of Representatives to hold Co accountable. Opposition lawmakers have demanded immediate action amid fears that permitting Co to leave the country undermines the integrity of the investigation. Civil society groups have also called for his preventive suspension, warning that his prolonged absence damages public confidence and obstructs transparency in probing the alleged corruption.

The unfolding situation spotlights the challenges faced by the Philippine legislature in ensuring accountability among its members in high-profile corruption cases involving public infrastructure projects.